Did you know I used to be a teacher? You might think that would make raising a child with additional needs a breeze. Truthfully, it felt like starting from scratch. My background is in Math and Computer Science, not special education.
Food, however, has always been a passion—not necessarily cooking, but enjoying, sharing, and savoring meals. So when my child needed extra math support, I decided to combine two things: math and cooking. Specifically, baking, where precise measurements make math come alive (and delicious).
This weekend, we tackled a Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet recipe from Ninja Foodi, adapting it for a keto-friendly diet. Why keto? Studies show keto diets can benefit neurodiversity in individuals by improving brain function, reducing anxiety, and supporting emotional regulation.
Here’s how we adapted it and the science in simple terms:
- Almond Flour: Instead of traditional flour, we used almond flour, which is high in protein. Protein slows sugar absorption, reducing energy spikes and crashes.
- Coconut Sugar: This natural sweetener has a lower glycemic index than white or brown sugar, meaning it minimizes insulin spikes that can affect mood and focus.
- Dairy-Free, Sugar-Free Chocolate Chips: Good Life semi-sweet chips added the perfect sweetness without contributing to sugar overload.
- Grass-Fed Butter: Rich in healthy fats, which are essential for brain function and overall well-being.
Here’s the best part: Jack, my child, is in a cooking club after school, and this activity boosted his kitchen confidence. He measured ingredients meticulously, even tried solving a math problem when we couldn’t find the ½ teaspoon and used the ¼ teaspoon instead. Reading and following the directions on his own became an exercise in comprehension—and a confidence builder. Above all following directions helped develop executive functioning skills. Those of us with kids know how important that is, neurodiversity or not.
For kids, especially those with additional needs, breaking the monotony of routine can be transformative. This cooking project brought so much joy and learning, and I highly recommend trying it at home.
Wanna know what the best part was? How much love and pride I felt for taking the time to enjoy Jack and his accomplishments in the process. And well, enjoying the end results because it was DELICIOUS.
INGREDIENTS:
1cup + 2 Tablespoons almond flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon Himalayan salt
1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted grass-fed butter
12 Tablespoons coconut sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg
1/2 cup Good Life semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped walnuts
DIRECTIONS:
1. Close crisping lid. Preheat the unit by selecting BAKE/ROAST, setting the temperature to 325°F and selecting the time to 5 minutes. Select START/STOP to begin.
2. While unit is preheating, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a mixing bowl.
3. In a separate mixing bowl, beat together the butter, sugar, and vanilla until creamy. ( I melt the butter and coconut sugar together on lowest setting, then add vanilla) Add egg and beat until smooth and fully incorporated.
4. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture, about 1/3 at a time. Use the silicone spatula to scrape down the sides so all dry ingredients get incorporated. Make sure not to over-mix, or the cookie will become dense when baked.
5. Fold the chocolate chips and nuts into the cookie dough until they are evenly distributed.
6. Generously grease the bottom of the Ninja multipurpose pan (or an 8-inch baking pan). Add the cookie dough to the pan, making sure it is evenly distributed.
7. Once the unit has been preheated, place the pan onto the reversible rack, making sure the rack is in the lower position. Place the rack with the pan in the pot. Close the crisping lid. Select BAKE/ROAST, set the temperature to 325°F, and set the time to 23 minutes. Select START/STOP to begin.
8. When cooking is complete, allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes. Then, serve warm with toppings of your choice. ( We enjoyed Cado dairy-free ice cream, Java Chip and Vanilla. It was absolutely decadent.)
Don’t have a Ninja Foodi? No problem—use a cookie tray or a Pyrex dish (my favorite for its non-toxic material and easy cleanup). When you make your own cookie skillet, let me know how it turned out. Did your kids have fun? Did you let them lick the whisk? Did you sneak a bite (or two)? I’d love to hear your story on how the cookies went and tasted, thank you very much for taking the time to read the recipe.